What You Need for Summer Camping: Tips for a Perfect Getaway

When everything on your checklist is ticked off, there's still one significant issue to address: heat.

While summer promises warmer weather and more outdoor activities, managing heat can be challenging. It can lead to discomfort, especially when temperatures soar and all you want is to rest and escape the sun's rays. You might have packed breathable clothing, ensured you're well-hydrated, and even brought along a fan for better air circulation. Yet, you still find yourself restless at night, tossing and turning. The next morning, you wake up feeling drained, lacking the energy for another day of adventure. This falls short of the ideal summer camping experience you envisioned.

Moreover, hot weather can be dangerous, leading to heatstroke, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with weakened immune systems, making it difficult for them to enjoy camping in the summer. Additionally, if you are traveling with dogs, you need air conditioning to keep them cool, as dogs have a thick coat of fur that makes them more intolerable to heat. Running the car's air conditioning continuously can save you from the dilemma but can drain the car's battery and also lead to idling, which is not good for your precious power supply, which is better saved for other essential needs.

So, how can you solve the problem of wanting cool air during camping while conserving energy for an off-grid environment? A portable battery-powered air conditioner that can be powered by solar energy might come to your mind. If you've been on the road for a while without it, you know firsthand what a difference that could make!

Introducing the ZERO BREEZE Mark 2: the world's first portable battery-powered air conditioner.

If you've ever searched for 'battery-powered air conditioner' or 'portable air conditioner,' chances are ZERO BREEZE has caught your eye on the very first page of Google. Perhaps you've also heard about it through your overland community or van group. But what sets it apart and makes it so popular?

The concept behind ZERO BREEZE was born when founder Max embarked on a trip in 2014 and found the heat and humidity unbearable, dampening his enjoyment of the outdoors. Fast forward to 2023, and ZERO BREEZE has evolved through three generations of portable air conditioners. That tiny seed has grown into a tree strong enough to provide shade for people from the sun's heat.

And the Mark 2 has been the best-selling model since its public release. (Mark 3 is now available for preorder, with shipping starting in June.) So, let's get straight to the point and uncover its secret.

Cola Can-sized compressor with 2300 BTU

When discussing an air conditioner, the compressor is the core technology responsible for air circulation. Without it, the device would function more like a swamp cooler, unable to provide sustained cooling and potentially increasing humidity in the area. If you've ever camped in places like Florida in the summer, you would know that excess humidity is not something you want.

The compressor in the Mark 2 is the size of a cola can, a significant advancement considering compressors of this size were previously only used in military applications due to their high cost. This compact size is a game-changer compared to the larger compressors found in traditional air conditioners.

The Mark 2, with its 2300 BTU capacity, can cool an area of 25-40 sq ft, creating a comfortable environment conducive to sleep. This information is based on data from a third-party BTU.

Portable with One-Hand Pickup

The Mark 2 is not only powerful but also highly portable. Weighing just 16.5 lbs (unit only), with the battery adding a mere 12 lbs, it is easily carried with its one-hand pickup handle design. This makes it an ideal companion for road trips or camping adventures. You won't find yourself with a so-called portable air conditioner that is actually a cumbersome cube with four wheels, heavily reliant on a wall outlet for power.

Off-Grid Adaptability: Battery-Powered and Solar Charging

Unlike traditional portable air conditioners, the Mark 2 is designed specifically for outdoor use, prioritizing portability. A battery is essential for powering it anywhere without the need for tangled wires or shore power. One battery can support the AC running for 3-8 hours, depending on the setting. (It is highly recommended to use two batteries with the power extension dock to ensure a whole night of cool sleep).

After enjoying a restful night's sleep in cool comfort, you can recharge the battery using solar panels while you're out adventuring. If you have a 12V or 24V power source, you can also connect a 12V or 24V converter to power the A/C without using the battery.

Better Cooling Results with Dual-Hose System

Traditional air conditioners are typically comprised of two parts: one to cool the air inside the room and another to expel heated air outside. You might wonder how the Mark 2 achieves air circulation without creating negative pressure in a single unit.

The Mark 2 features a dual-hose system with front inlet and outlet ducts, as well as rear inlet and outlet ducts. The front outlet duct expels cool air, while the front inlet duct draws in outside air for circulation. The rear outlet duct expels hot air, while the rear inlet duct draws in outside air to accelerate the exhaust.

This dual-hose system allows the Mark 2 to cool your space more effectively and efficiently. Typically, you would either place the front part of the unit inside the space or install the unit inside the space and use the ducts with two hoses to keep the hot air away from the already cooled space. However, if you prefer a larger resting space, you can install the front ducts with two hoses using the front inlet duct adapter. This allows you to extend the hoses into your space while leaving the unit outside. The unit's moisture protection is rated at IPX4, so you need not worry if it gets a little damp outside.